Executive Opinions

Video: Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai previews the year ahead for the fledgling airline, which will see the arrival of new aircraft and further destinations being added to their ever expanding network. Phil Blizzard speaks to him about the prospect of a second operational hub, which is the model for many airlines of their stature.

Video: With the stunning backdrop of a Maldivian Island Phil Blizzard talks to Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai about the launch of their service to Male, the capital of the Republic of the Maldives and the source markets for this service. He also talks about new innovations on board their Boeing 737-800 aircraft and on their achievements during 2012, he said "It was a year of maturity in the development of the airline".

Video: With the delivery during 2012 of seven Boeing 747-8 'jumbo' jets to VVIP customers in the Middle East, and with orders for six Boeing Dreamliner 787s, the region is seen as a predominant market for wide bodied jets, configured for private use. Phil Blizzard, on board a Boeing 767, gives an insight into the world of private aviation whilst talking to Captain Steve Taylor, President, Boeing Business Jets about the significance of the Middle East market.

Video: In part two Greg Wiebe, Head of Tax, KPMG International focuses on indirect taxation such as Value Added Tax (VAT), with the key benefit of offering governments a secure revenue source and how it could be introduced in the GCC region. He also talks to Phil Blizzard on the complexity of local taxation rules and regulations for multi-nationals as they expand their business operations, particularly in developing countries.

Video: Greg Wiebe, Global Head of Tax, KPMG International, talks from a taxation perspective on the theme of "Shifting Sands and coping with changes in the Middle East and Asia regions". In conversation with Phil Blizzard he provides an insight into the global and regional taxation landscape and changes which are taking place.

Video: H.E. Mohammed Omar Abdulla, Undersecretary, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, talks to Phil Blizzard at the 7th MEED Abu Dhabi Conference about their economic performance, SMEs, DFI and the new Industrial Development Bureau, along with emerging investment opportunities.

Video: MasterCard Worldwide have a number of payment solutions directed specifically at the SME sector, aimed at assisting the development of small businesses. Phil Blizzard talks to Brian Lang, Senior VP, MEA, MasterCard Worldwide about the various payment solution products and how they assist SMEs. He also talks about their involvement in the debut Gulf Capital SMEinfo Awards 2012 to be held in Dubai.

Video: Paul Trowbridge, CEO, United Arab Bank, talks Edward Poultney through how he views the current economic climate in the UAE and looks over the bank's H1 results - including how the shareholder partnership with Commercial Bank of Qatar has helped push the group's expansion into the retail banking space, supported by the launch of a new client reward scheme.

Video: Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, CEO, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority talks to Phil Blizzard about the regions 'Silicon Valley' development which is now 5 years old and also about the UAE's first IT specific education and development institute which has just opened at this technology focussed free zone.

Video: H.E. Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Under-Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Oman talks to Phil Blizzard about the impact of Muscat being the Arab Tourism Capital during 2012 and the significant increase in visitor arrivals during Q1. She also talks about their strategy for tourism development in Oman, as well as the cool summer season in Salalah with the annual Khareef Festival, held during the monsoon season.

The northern emirate of Ras al Khaimah has ambitious plans for it's tourism sector, aiming to be an affordable luxury destination. John Brayford, Acting CEO, Rak Airways talks to Phil Blizzard about their development plans which will see the airline evolving to match the tourism sector. He talks about the need for stability in the market for small airlines to grow and describes the positioning of the airline, as being Emirates Lite.

Video: The construction of a new expressway into Turkey will change the 'shape of international trading' says H.E. Mohammed Al Derajy, Minister of Housing & Construction, Iraq in this interview with Phil Blizzard at MEED's Arabian World Construction Summit, Abu Dhabi. The ministers gives an overview of the project requirements which will include the construction of more than 2.5 million housing units, 7000km of local roads, 900km of expressways and 70 bridges. He also reveals his 'golden triangle' - their requirements when dealing with investors, contractors and developers.

With the backdrop of the Fairmont Palm Jumeirah hotel, which is set to open in Q3 2012, Phil Blizzard talks to Tala Jassim Al Bahar, CEO & Chairman, IFA Hotel and Resorts about the hotel and the associated development on Dubai's iconic man-made island. With projects stretching from the USA to Europe, the Middle East and across to Asia, as well as South Africa we have an overview of the development strategy of IFA.

Video: Gerald Lawless talks to Phil Blizzard at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), on the positive start to 2012 for the group and provides an overview of their regional development plans. He also gives his views on 'Adapting to a Changing Landscape' which is the main theme of the conference.

The small Kingdom of Bahrain has two airlines which are competing with each other and as Richard Nuttal, CEO, Bahrain Air tells Phil Blizzard "that competition is no longer healthy and a solution is now needed". He explains how Bahrain Air has evolved from being a low cost carrier to a 'premium value carrier', how IATA membership is essential to their growth and provides an overview of their development plans.